Have a Beautiful Weekend!

American Girl of the Year 2013- Saige Copeland

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! It's actually raining here right now and it's suppose to continue throughout the weekend. It's so refreshing plus I got time to work on my indoor photography, which you'll get to see my efforts starting tomorrow. The photos are a surprise and I can't wait to share them. I was going to wait until Monday because my other surprise should arrive but I'm too excited to wait. (^_^)

The Weekend is Almost Here! (Deal Alert)

American Girl of the Year 2013 - Saige Copeland

This has been one busy week and I'm glad that the weekend will be here tomorrow.I also think I'm happy because I should start receiving some good doll mail days. Like Saturday marks the 2 week point for my girls at the Doll Hospital, so they should be coming plus I have some more surprises coming in the mail. I can't wait! 

** Deal Alert ** Just in case you didn't know, American Girl is currently offering free shipping on all orders over $100 with code 181199. It's good online, on phone orders to AG directly or Personal Shopper at your favorite store. I believe it's good until March 25th. Also there's a new Purchase-with-Purchase (PWP) in the stores for $14 when you spend $50. (^_^)

Life in Color

American Girl of the Year 2013 - Saige Copeland

The tree is in black & white while Kennedy and the grass are in color. Had a little fun in post processing with this photo.  Doesn't her hair almost looks like Lucille Ball from "I Love Lucy"? I'll always be one of my all time favorite shows, even if it ended before I was born. (^_^)

My Nature Sprite

American Girl of the Year 2013- Saige Copeland

I couldn't resist taking this photo with all the greenery. It's so Spring like here and Kennedy looks like she's relaxing from her long photo shoot. 

I guess you can tell from my photos that I enjoy taking them outside in nature. I get a lot of enjoyment being outside with my camera and girls. Yes I get the occasional stares but they don't bother me any longer. Some people like to golf or play tennis or whatever else makes them happy. I like to photograph my dolls because that makes me happy. (^_^)

What do you like to do? 

Classic Beauty

American Girl of the Year 2013 - Saige Copeland

Kennedy looks like such a classic beauty if this outfit.  Everything made by me with the exception of the vest which came from AG. It's time I work on my collection and I have the perfect name for it too. I thought long and hard about what I want it to represent and I hope it shows in the pieces I've chosen. Be on the lookout for them to debut really soon. I hope to have some sneak peeks available really soon. (^_^)

What a Beautiful Day!

American Girl of the Year 2013 -Saige Copeland

 Kennedy has such stunning eyes! I think her whole combination of attributes... eye color, hair shade and skin tone are so unique and beautiful. I'm really glad she's part of my doll family. (^_^) Hope everyone had a great weekend.

New Beginning

American Girl of the Year 2013 - Saige Copeland

My muse for my latest is the beautiful Kennedy. I was looking through my recent photos and noticed she hadn't been focused for more than say 3 photos. ^^; So I took her out yesterday and had a lot of fun.

Okay, it's not really a new beginning but Kennedy so graciously allowed me to photograph her with my new lens. My 2yo decided he didn't want me to have my 50mm prime anymore and threw it on the ground. Yes, it broke. Guess he was mad at me. Anyway, I needed a new lens and wanted one that zooms, so I purchased a 75-300mm zoom lens. I LOVE this lens and will be using it from now on. Look at the bokeh in the background... it is amazing. I'm sure there are other amazing zoom lenses out there but I'm perfectly happy with this one here. Oh I replaced my 50mm prime lens too. (^_^)

Peaceful

American Girl of the Year 2011 - Kanani Akina

This was the final shot from the gazebo photo shoot. I really loved this photo shoot but now it's time for Nevaeh to take a break from all her hard work and let someone else have a turn. I hope you enjoyed this shoot as much I enjoyed creating it.  (^_^)

At the Gazebo

American Girl of the Year 2011 - Kanani Akina

This was one of my favorite photo shoots to date. Like I already mentioned, I had been trying to get to this gazebo for months. I did have a couple of people looking at the crazy doll lady but I didn't care because I finally was able to get the photos I wanted. I think I will turn this shoot into a AGPS for my YouTube channel since I'm really proud of it. (^_^)

Dance Class for Mini Izzy

I did a little photo shoot with mini GOTY Isabelle and this was my favorite photo. (^_^) Taking photos of the minis is a wee bit challenging because my lens keep focusing on the wrong things. LOL 

** Excitement Alert ** I have a new girl arriving very soon! Maybe you can figure it out from these two posts (here and here) who will be joining my girls soon. I've decided I need to stick to my original plans from those two posts instead of coming up with new ones and be possibly be disappointed. Wisdom obtained from my 14yo daughter who has been spot on about me and my hastily made doll decisions. I think upon her arrival I will be on a doll purchasing hiatus until around my birthday. Give my wallet a little time to cool down from my doll purchases. ^^; Any guesses as to who she is?

Ready for Spring

American Girl of the Year 2011 - Kanani Akina

I know the groundhog saw it's shadow and we're suppose to have 6 more weeks of Winter but it's already starting to feel like Spring here. Then again, it hasn't really felt like Winter actually came this year. The only signs the season actually changed where the trees leaves changing colors and falling off. LOL I guess I'm just a warm weather baby. (^_^)

Deep in Thought

American Girl of the Year 2011 - Kanani Akina

I wonder what Nevaeh is thinking about.

American Girl® officially announced the return of retired Samantha Parkington and "exciting changes" coming to Historical line this Fall on their facebook page this morning. It had been rumored for quite awhile that Samantha was coming back and now it's official. It has me thinking about other rumors circulating around the Historical Line like the archiving of Cécile, Marie-Grace and possibly Josefina plus best friend dolls Ivy and Ruthie. I want to add Ivy to my collection of girls because the Jess mold is one of my favorites and feel like she'd fit right in with my group. It looks like it may be time to get her because if the rumors are true, I would hate to miss out on her. The girls I'm looking to add to my collection this year are #58, Ivy and Isabelle (I think I'm going to get her after all... still deciding). Ivy just moved to the top of my "to buy" list. Guess I'll get Ivy sooner than later.(^_^)

See You Soon

American Girl of the Year 2006 - Jess McConnell

It's true, I admitted Kalea and Hope at the doll hospital at AGPLA yesterday.  It was so hard to do since Kalea just arrived but I felt she needed a new head and it was a perfect time since I needed to send both girls. I'm kinda of scared because I've never used the AG doll hospital before. This will be the longest 2-3 weeks waiting for them to arrive. 

On a sidenote, I was tempted to pick Isabelle up but I resisted. She would've had to sit in the car until we were done at Universal Studios Hollywood and I wasn't sure how that would affect her, so she had to stay. She really is pretty but after seeing her in person, I'm not so sure if I want to add her to my collection after all. I'm like 70% sure I do but is it because she's the new shiny or is because I really like the doll. I'm sort of glad it was a quick stop kind of AG store visit because I was able to drop my 2 girls off for the hospital and I was able to see Isabelle in person. Good thing I have some time to think about it. 

What are your thoughts on Isabelle?

♥ Kalea ♥

American Girl of the Year 2006 - Jess McConnell

After what seems like forever searching for her, she's finally here! Yes, Girl of the Year 2006 Jess McConnell has finally made it home. At first I was going to name her Valentina since she arrived on Valentine's Day but chose Kalea because it means "the beloved" and she is dearly loved. :-) I know at some point I'll need to send her in for a new head but for now, she's just lovely as is. (^_^)

Happy Valentine's Day!

American Girl of the Year 2011- Kanani Akina

Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!

*** Newsflash *** I know I missed yesterday BUT I have a really good reason. It was my youngest daughter's 7th birthday and we took her to Disneyland. See a good reason. Also, there is a new girl in town, just so happened she arrived today! So you can already guess what I will name her. (^_^) I'm excited to finally have her here and can't wait to show everyone BUT she's currently undergoing some much needed TLC.

Breathe :: A Challenge

American Girl of the Year 2011 - Kanani Akina

Sometimes life gets soo hectic with work, school, etc. that we forget to take time and just breathe. I mean of course we breathe involuntarily but I mean to just live in the moment and enjoy all that we have. So I offer you a challenge, for the next 5 minutes just sit there, unplug from the techno world and enjoy the moment... Okay if 5 minutes is too long about about 2 minutes? LOL (*_^)

A New Adventure Awaits

American Girl of the Year 2011 - Kanani Akina

It's true! There is a new adventure in the works for my girls... well myself and family too. I'm super excited because I was able to finally do a photo shoot with Nevaeh and this gazebo by my house yesterday. It was a really fun shoot even though I had people staring at me like I was weird but oh well, I can't wait to post those photos. (^_^)

Who's Ready for the AG Spring Release?

It's raining,
It's pouring,
The old man is snoring...

Well you know how the song goes. (^_^) While it doesn't rain all that often here where I live, I'm still interested in getting the new cute umbrella, raincoat and boots set that's part of the Spring release by American Girl® that'll debut on Feb. 13th, 2014.

Isn't this set cute?! I know not everyone likes the color pink but I do. LOL I ♥ this set, color and all! I think I'll be purchasing this set especially since I missed out on the blue set. Not sure how much it costs yet but Feb. 13th is only a mere 3 days away. :-) I'm super excited to see what else they will be releasing on Feb. 13th. 

What do you think of this new set? Are you looking forward to seeing anything special on Feb. 13th? I know some are hoping for the appearance of rumored #61. No I don't think I've talked about her but a quick google search will pull her right up for you. ;-)

Nevaeh

American Girl of the Year 2011 - Kanani Akina

As you can see, Nevaeh spa day was a success. I could have left her pin curls in longer but I was too eager to take them down. Sometimes patience isn't my virtue. LOL

Also, I had an amazing person point out the comments on my blog weren't enabled. Can you believe that? I am so thankful to Dolly Dorm Diaries for giving me a heads up because this whole time I'm asking questions and was actually having a one sided conversation. :P I have fixed the posts all the way back to the beginning of this year and all future posts now have comments enabled by default. I don't know if I will fix ALL my posts but commenting can be left from 1/1/2014 on. (^_^) Thanks again Dolly Dorm Diaries!

My Princess

American Girl of the Year 2011- Kanani Akina

It's without a doubt Nevaeh is my princess. If I could take only photos of her and not have people think I was crazy I would but I try to give all my girls time in front of the camera. I've decided since Nevaeh is my princess, my focus will be on creating a world for her and the other girls will be characters in her world. (^_^) 

Sweet Nevaeh

Nevaeh looks great in this color. This is the Coral Sweater from Isabelle's Mix & Match Collection. I got it for a great deal too. It's already a great deal from AG for $14 but I got it for less than that including shipping. XP Now I really can't wait to visit AGPLA to see the rest of Isabelle's Mix & Match Collection in person.

Reading Break!

American Girl of the Year 2011 - Kanani Akina

Nothing like a reading a good book with a friend. Caught Nevaeh reading the latest GoTY book with her little stuffed squidy Wooo. I think she wants to learn more about the girl who will be joining her later on this year. (^_^)

Little Miss Sunshine

American Girl of the Year 2011 - Kanani Akina

With everywhere covered in snow and cold weather, Nevaeh wanted to send everyone a little bit of sunshine to help chase away the winter blues. Though now it's gray, cloudy and raining here where we are. O.o Oh the irony. Guess we took the photos just in time. (^_^)

It's Such a Beautiful Day!

American Girl of the Year 2011 - Kanani Akina

Today is such a beautiful day that I had to take Nevaeh out for a few photos. I love days like these when it's not too warm or too cold. It's light sweater which is just right for me. (^_^) Oh the shoes arrived today... the pink ballet slippers and retired Coconut Play Sneakers. Nevaeh actually has the sneakers on but you can't see them in this photo. LOL I like them a lot. They are really cute! I can honestly say in the shoe department eBay has been really kind to my girls. I get almost all of their shoes off of eBay with the exception of Saige's meet boots and Mia's meet sneakers which I bought off AGPT or the shoes that come with the outfits I purchased directly from AG, of course. So like I've said before, there are deals to be had, you just have to be sure to ask LOTS of questions if you are unsure.

Never Forget to Have Fun!

American Girl of the Year 2005 - Marisol Luna

What kind of life would it be if all we did was work and/or go to school? I think it would be quite boring to tell you the truth. I think it's important to spend time with your family and have fun. Whether you veg out in front of the t.v. watching a favorite show or going out to see the latest movie or visiting a local theme park... if you have one of course. As long as you are having fun together, that's all that matters.

A Girl & Her Board

American Girl of the Year 2005 - Marisol Luna

This week looks to be filled with some happy mail days. I have some pink ballet slippers, black leotard, Isabelle's Coral Sweater and sneakers from Coconut Play Outfit due to arrive. Come on, who doesn't like dollie mail?

Yes, I'm slowly building up my ballet wardrobe for the girls. I still need to get more stuff of course like more ballet slippers, leos and especially tights. I'm holding off purchasing anything more until I make the trip to AGPLA at the end of the month to pick some of the pieces from Isabelle's Mix & Match Collection. Remember, ballet slippers aren't included in any of her collection with the exception of the Dance Case, Dance Barre and Performance Set. I also plan on picking up the MyAG Ballet Outfit to help flesh out my ballet wardrobe for the girls because it comes with a leo, tutu, tights, legwarmers and slippers for only $30! That's a really good price. And if you're wondering if Miss Isabelle will be coming home as well... I'm about 70% sure she'll be coming too. LOL I still have a couple of girls on my list I would like to add and she's one of them.. (^_^)

Live Life and Have Fun!

 

Today is Super Bowl Sunday and of course, I will be glued to my t.v. with the rest of my family to watch my QB Peyton Manning and rooting him to win... I'm really hoping they win anyway. (n.n) While hubby on the other hand will be rooting for Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks. Yes, their quite the divide but it'll be a fun game to watch nonetheless.

Go Broncos!

♥ Hope ♥

American Girl of the Year 2005 - Marisol Luna

Isn't Hope stunning? When her eyelashes aren't being weird and retracting, she takes the most gorgeous photos. Still deciding if I send her into the doll hospital to get her eyelashes fixed though. I think I will just so I won't worry about anything happening but it's going to be odd not seeing her smiling face for the time she is gone. It's such a tough decision!